GTA REALTORS(R) Build on the Dream of Home Ownership

(March 30, 2012)

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/30/12 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS?? will be joined by Ward 35 City of Toronto Councillor Michelle Berardinetti March 30th as they work to make the dream of home ownership a reality for another local family.

Located in the Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park area, the home that Greater Toronto REALTORS?? will have a hand in constructing, marks the fifth title sponsorship of eight Habitat for Humanity builds to which the Toronto Real Estate Board has contributed in recent years.

"We're very excited to be playing a key role in improving the quality of life for another local family, not just through sponsorship but by volunteering to take part in their home's construction, and the fact that Councillor Berardinetti is joining us will make this build all the more memorable," said TREB President Richard Silver.

The Habitat for Humanity community Greater Toronto REALTORS?? are helping to build includes eight homes, two of which have been completed as fully accessible bungalow style homes, specifically designated to families with members who have physically disabilities. The six that remain under construction are semi-detached units scheduled to reach completion this summer.

At that time they will become homes for low-income families currently living in substandard housing. For their part, the families will be required to contribute 500 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity Toronto and repay a zero-down payment, interest free mortgage over an average of 25 years.

In recent years TREB also sponsored Habitat for Humanity homes in the Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue area, Scarborough's McLevin Woods and Etobicoke's Lakeshore Village. Habitat for Humanity Toronto has constructed more than 225 simple, decent and affordable homes with partner families throughout the city and has set a goal to build 50 new homes each year by 2015.

"A study recently undertaken by the City of Toronto shows that families who receive financing to support the purchase of affordable housing noted positive changes with respect to personal privacy, physical health, personal safety and even their children's school performance," said Silver. "Supporting affordable housing initiatives like this one help build a better Toronto, which benefits us all."

Each year, Toronto Real Estate Board Members contribute to the overall quality of life in the Greater Toronto Area by supporting shelter-related charities through the REALTORS?? Care Foundation. Last year it offered grants totaling more than $178,000 to 35 different organizations throughout the GTA.

Councillor Berardinetti, who is also a member of the City's Affordable Housing Committee, is scheduled to join Greater Toronto REALTORS?? at the Habitat for Humanity build between 1pm and 4pm, March 30, 2012.

Greater Toronto REALTORS?? are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Over 34,000 TREB Members serve consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. The Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada's largest real estate board.